‘Star Wars’ Blu-Rays Feature More Alterations

All six “Star Wars” movies are ready to hit the store shelves again on Sept. 16, this time as ultra-super-remastered Blu-rays, but you probably already knew that. That’s why this article isn’t about the Blu-ray release for the movies.

Instead, I would like to discuss the reports about some of the new content (or should I say alterations) included in the new Blu-ray editions.

It seems this is becoming a habit for George Lucas and his friends. I guess they are his movies and he can do anything he wants. But were all these changes things he originally wanted to include in the movies but couldn’t because of lack of technology or lack of financial resources? In the past, those where his excuses and — in a part of my mind — I understood. Let him finish his vision the way he originally envisioned it.

But now, these new changes seem to have different explanations.

A few weeks back, we heard the Yoda puppet from “Star Wars — Episode I: The Phantom Menace” was being replaced with a CGI version of Yoda. Alright, what was the explanation for this? Well, the puppet was not used again in Episode II, or Episode III, so they wanted all three movies to flow together. I guess this is him thinking about the 3D theatrical re-releases coming up soon.

Personally, I didn’t mine the Yoda puppet, if I’m being honest, but it’s not the end of the world if they update him either. But then again, it seems like nobody really minds changes to the new series; it’s when anything is altered on the original series that people snap.

This Tuesday, a rumor — now confirmed — came out that “Return of the Jedi” would feel the hand of its maker once again. This time, the alteration occurs during the epic scene where Darth Vader, Luke and the Emperor face off. Particularly, it’s the moment when Vader decides to return from the Darkside and throws the Emperor down the precipice to his doom. At this moment, Vader screams “Nooooooooo!” and precede to launch at the emperor.

Personally, this was my favorite moment out of all the movies, from the moment he SILENTLY walks up to the Emperors up until Luke pulls out the limp body of Vader. It’s the culmination of both series respectfully.

Another change occurs in the original movie — aka “A New Hope” … aka “Episode IV” (the name change was one of Lucas’ first changes after the film’s release). When Luke is being attacked by Sand Raiders, he is rescued by Obi Wan, who yelps like a Krayt Dragon. That sound has now been changed and — you guessed it, NOT for the better.

Also, Ewoks will now blink.

How do you feel about these changes? Do you plan to buy the “Star Wars” blu-rays?

I’d been on the fence about buying them, but I’ve decided to pass. The Special Editions are already annoying, but this is just too much. I’ll stick with my unaltered DVD versions until George comes to his senses.

I’m not buying them either. I actually like the Yoda change, but cosmetic changes such as those don’t bother me. I just don’t like it when he changes things that affect the story (Greedo, Noooo!, Jabba showing up early and getting stepped on and so forth).